The Foundation for Global Sports Development to Help Raise Profile of Ice Sledge Hockey and Paralympic Movement

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A grant of USD 75,000 is to be used to fund education and awareness around IPC Ice Sledge Hockey and the Paralympic Movement.

“It is thrilling to witness the inspirational power of para-sport, and we are excited to support the IPC as they continue to educate fans from around the world.” - David Ulich, GSD Executive Board Member

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB)April 18, 2015

The Foundation for Global Sports Development (GSD) has pledged $75,000 to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), to help with education and awareness raising efforts in the USA and around the world through the 2015 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships A-Pool.

The funds will be used to develop videos, interviews with athletes and online knowledge base materials for ice sledge hockey, which it is hoped will give people an insight into the sport, and also attract new audiences to para-sport more generally.

Information and footage will be gathered at the World Championships A-Pool, taking place in Buffalo, New York, between April 26th and May 3rd.

Xavier Gonzalez, IPC CEO, said: “Thanks to Steven Ungerleider, David Ulich and their team at the Foundation for Global Sports Development, we have a real opportunity to capitalize further on what we already expect to be one of our most successful World Championships in 2015.

“The popularity of ice sledge hockey has been growing really fast in the US since their team stormed to victory at Sochi 2014, and we want to use that as a springboard to turn people onto other para-sports.

“Alongside that, we want to give fans of all ages from around the world the chance to learn more about the adrenaline-fueled sport of ice sledge hockey, the players and the history, in a variety of different formats.”

Steven Ungerleider, GSD Executive Board Member said: “We are honored to offer the IPC our support and are hopeful that with increased media attention on para-sport, more youth around the world will realize they too can participate in sport – whatever their ability level may be.”

GSD Executive Board Member, David Ulich, added: “It is thrilling to witness the inspirational power of para-sport, and we are excited to support the IPC as they continue to educate fans from around the world.”

In the opening games of Buffalo 2015 on April 26th, the US will face Russia in a replay of the final from Sochi 2014 where they won 1-0 to grab gold.

The tournament, taking place at the HARBORCENTER, will also feature defending world champions Canada who are drawn in Group A alongside Czech Republic, Norway and Japan.

Group B will feature hosts USA, who finished with Worlds silver in 2013, Russia, Italy and Germany.

Tickets, live coverage and media accreditation for Buffalo 2015 are available at http://www.Buffalo2015.com, with broadcast coverage in the US provided by NBC Sports Group.

About The Foundation for Global Sports Development (GSD)
Working closely with international sports federations, generous donors and committed athletes, The Foundation for Global Sports Development promotes sportsmanship, education, fair play and ethics among the world’s youth. The Foundation gives special emphasis to groups and communities that are most in need or most underserved by current programs, including women, minorities and youth in areas where the risk of delinquency is particularly high. Visit http://www.globalsportsdevelopment.org to learn more.